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THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE

Make a fuss

Understand the meaning. See it in context. Make it yours.

01 / UNDERSTAND

Meaning in plain English

To show more anger, worry or excitement than a situation seems to require.

02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT

The expression in a sentence

  1. I made a fuss about the small delay, then realised we still had plenty of time.

03 / CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING

Quick idiom quiz

Try the question without looking back, then write a sentence of your own. You can retry as often as you like.

Can you recall the expression?

Which expression from this lesson matches this meaning?

To show more anger, worry or excitement than a situation seems to require.
Show the answer

Make a fuss — To show more anger, worry or excitement than a situation seems to require.

Try your own sentence (optional)

Make it yours

Write one sentence using “Make a fuss” about your own life.

Check your sentence

Does your sentence match this meaning?

To show more anger, worry or excitement than a situation seems to require.

Compare: I made a fuss about the small delay, then realised we still had plenty of time.

Check the spelling and how the expression fits the sentence. Your example can be different.

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More ways to understand and use it

When to use it

Use it conversationally when describing an excessive reaction or complaint. It is a judgment about the reaction and may sound dismissive.

More examples in context

  • She did not want to make a fuss over a minor seating mix-up.
  • He felt embarrassed after making a fuss about an error that was easily corrected.

Usage note

“Make a fuss over someone” can mean give them lots of affectionate attention. That is a different use from complaining or reacting excessively.

A short conversation

A: Was the wrong table number a serious problem?
B: No. I made a fuss before checking, but the staff sorted it out immediately.
A: I am glad it was easily fixed.

One more practice question

Which response makes a fuss in the main meaning taught here?

A. Complaining loudly about a harmless, immediately corrected mix-up.
B. Calmly accepting the correction and continuing without complaint.

Check your answer

A. The reaction is greater than the situation warrants.

Related lessons

Meaning and usage checked against Cambridge Dictionary. Explanations, examples and conversation are original.

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